June
Ronan sends the pack-wide link first thing the next morning. It hits like a ripple through the entire house—like the walls themselves straighten up and pay attention.
All pack members are to gather in the ballroom at five this evening for an announcement. Attendance is mandatory.
That’s it. No explanation. No “please.” No room for debate.
I stare at the empty space in front of me like the words might rearrange themselves into something less… terrifying.
My mind immediately thinks back to just two days ago. The thought lands in my chest, heavy and sharp, and suddenly I’m not in Ashwood Falls at all—I’m back in the Silver Pine Pack, standing in a crowd with hope buzzing under my skin, waiting to be chosen. Except I’m not. The memory hits me like a sucker-punch to the gut.
I squee
